The rivalry between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev has officially crossed into uncharted territory. What began as a standard championship rivalry has spiraled into a deeply personal feud, one that now includes allegations of cowardice and questions about Ankalaev’s credibility as a champion.
Their bad blood dates back to UFC 313, when Ankalaev dethroned Pereira by unanimous decision to claim the UFC light heavyweight title. Since then, the two have been trading verbal jabs and setting the stage for an explosive rematch at UFC 320. However, Pereira’s latest accusations may have escalated things to a point where there’s no turning back.
A Rivalry of Contrasting Styles
Much of the tension between these two fighters stems from their vastly different approaches inside the cage. Pereira, a decorated former kickboxing world champion, is known for his devastating knockout power and aggressive striking. He has built his reputation as one of the most dangerous finishers in the sport, always looking to put opponents away with his trademark left hook.
On the other hand, Ankalaev has established himself as a methodical, patient fighter who uses wrestling, cage control, and measured striking to grind out victories. His style may not be as electrifying as Pereira’s highlight reels, but it has proven brutally effective. To fans, this clash of styles creates natural tension. To the fighters, it has bred disdain.
The UFC PI “Hiding” Allegation
The latest drama unfolded when Pereira recounted an incident at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas. According to the Brazilian, he was training at the PI when he noticed Ankalaev’s coach present—but the champion himself was nowhere to be seen.
That, in itself, was not unusual. Fighters often stagger their training times to avoid unnecessary interactions. But what Pereira alleges happened next has fans buzzing.
In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Pereira claimed that a member of his team overheard a PI staff member telling Ankalaev it was “safe to come out” because Pereira had left the building. The implication? Ankalaev was allegedly hiding in a room to avoid even being in the same space as his rival.
Pereira didn’t mince words when discussing the story:
“I saw Ankalaev’s coach there. I stayed to myself, I didn’t see Ankalaev. And the funny thing is, when I left the PI, when I got into my car, someone from my team was still inside and he heard the girl from the PI say to Ankalaev, ‘He can come now, he’s already left.’ They hid the guy in a little room, man… What kind of champion is that? A sht champion. I know that’s harsh, but he’s a shtty champion, man.”
Pereira Questions Ankalaev’s Mentality
For Pereira, the incident highlighted what he sees as a glaring weakness in Ankalaev’s character. While insisting that he has no interest in starting fights outside the octagon, Pereira framed the alleged hiding as an act of insecurity unbecoming of a UFC champion.
“This isn’t about street fights or intimidation,” Pereira explained. “It’s about respect. If you’re the champion, you shouldn’t be hiding from anyone—especially not from the guy you’re supposed to defend the belt against.”
The Brazilian made it clear that he views the alleged behavior as a crack in Ankalaev’s armor, a sign that the champion doesn’t truly believe in his ability to stand toe-to-toe with him.
Ankalaev Yet to Respond
As of now, Magomed Ankalaev has not publicly addressed Pereira’s accusations. The Russian champion is known for keeping a relatively reserved profile outside of fight promotion, often letting his performances speak for themselves. Still, fans are eager to hear his side of the story, especially given how personal and embarrassing Pereira’s allegations sound.
For Ankalaev, this could either be dismissed as typical fight-week mind games or seen as a challenge to his reputation. In a sport where perception and bravado often matter almost as much as physical skill, silence may not be the best answer.
UFC 320: A Fight With Personal Stakes
The already highly anticipated rematch between Pereira and Ankalaev at UFC 320 now carries even more emotional weight. The storyline has evolved beyond fighting styles and tactics. Now, it’s about pride, dignity, and respect.
If Pereira’s accusations gain traction, the narrative heading into fight night will be clear: Can Ankalaev prove that he’s not just a tactical wrestler who wins decisions, but a true champion who embraces the pressure and stands his ground?
On the other hand, Pereira will enter the octagon with his trademark confidence, looking to prove that his loss at UFC 313 was an anomaly and that he still belongs at the very top of the division.
What This Means for the Light Heavyweight Division
The light heavyweight division has often thrived on rivalries that go beyond technique and strategy—think Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier or Tito Ortiz vs. Chuck Liddell. If this feud continues to escalate, Pereira vs. Ankalaev could become one of those rivalries that define an era.
For Pereira, the rematch is not just about regaining his belt but about restoring his reputation as the scariest striker in the UFC. For Ankalaev, it’s about silencing critics who accuse him of being “boring” and now, according to Pereira, a champion who allegedly hides rather than confronts.
Conclusion
The tension between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev has reached a boiling point. Pereira’s allegations of Ankalaev hiding at the UFC Performance Institute have ignited debate among fans and analysts, painting the champion in a less-than-flattering light.
As UFC 320 approaches, the drama outside the cage has only heightened anticipation for what promises to be one of the most personal and explosive title fights of the year. Whether Ankalaev chooses to address the accusations or lets his fighting do the talking, one thing is certain: the next chapter in this rivalry will be written under the brightest lights in the sport.
